This coming-of-age film is about an incoming freshman and his three friends trying to make a name for themselves throughout their high school years. Every kid when they first enter high school worries about what their status will be when they first step on campus and if it will haunt them throughout the next four years. Making a name for yourself in a positive way has to happen quickly or you are doomed to spend eternity with this new horrible reputation. This fun and adventurous narrative will explore these anxieties and more.
Now about to enter the first day of high school, Benj Nielsen (Mason Thames), has many new ideas on how he wants to create his legacy. One is to find a way to enter into his newest crushes heart, Bailey (Isabella Ferreira), his sister’s best friend. This is a real challenge since his sister, Alyssa Nielsen (Ali Gallo), truly hates him and would do anything to prevent her brother from moving in on her friends. Benj and his other friends Eddie (Ramon Reed), Connor (Raphael Alejandro), and Danah ‘Koosh’ Koushani (Bardia Seiri), are now very nervous to find out how the other students are going to treat them on their first day. This is where the journey begins and their popularity can be lost forever.
When a party comes up hosted by Danah’s brother, Kayvon Koushani (Kayvan Shai), the boys see an opportunity to get top status. But things get a little out of hand on a roller coaster night that has the boys wondering what will happen next. During their escapades they come across some interesting characters like Katrina Aurienna (Loren Gray), Ruby (Thomas Barbusca), Gabrielle (Victoria Moroles), Dennis (Scott MacArthur), and Mr. Studebaker (Bobby Cannavale). Can they survive these crazy experiences they all will have and can Benj and Alyssa avoid getting grounded by their mother, Ms. Nielsen (Kaitlin Olson)?
Directors and writers Dave Chernin, and John Chernin put together a hilarious rendition of a wild night that could actually change the lives of their characters. Each personality finds triumph after experiencing true embarrassment that helps enrich their understanding and growth from their involvement. Dave and John develop many outrageous scenes that will either keep you rolling in your seats or just plain gross you out. The best part of the film is wondering what these two guys are going to do next.
You will definitely enjoy this adolescent journey through the minds of these storytellers as they display what could happen to teens that want to have it all. Their experiences are outlandishly funny and definitely keep you laughing throughout.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the funny comedic narrative and the performance from the actors. 
Stars 3 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Mason Thames, Isabella Ferreira, Ali Gallo, Ramon Reed, Raphael Alejandro, Bardia Seiri, Kayvan Shai, Loren Gray, Thomas Barbusca, Victoria Moroles, Scott MacArthur, Kaitlin Olson, and Bobby Cannavale.
Directed and written by: Dave Chernin, and John Chernin
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: Rated R for drug use and drinking, sexual content, pervasive language, some violence and brief nudity – all involving teens.
Running Time: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Release Date: August 23, 2024
Distributed By: Netflix
Release In: Streaming on Netflix